Armaments Technology Fire Power Forum Mr. Michael George Weapon Systems and Technology Small and Medium Caliber Armaments, Remote Weapons Branch US Army - ARDEC - WSEC 9-10 APR 2009 DISTRIBUTION A: Approved for Public Release. Outline • Fielded – Remote Weappyon System ( RWS) – Gun Fire Detection Integration • Enabling Technologies – Platform Integration – Advanced RWS – Robotic Integration & Weaponization • Challenges • Summary Remote Weapon Systems (RWS) Description • Compatible with M2, Mk19, M240 and M249 • Readily integrated with multiple platforms (MRAP, Abrams, HMMWV) • Three-Axis Vector Stabilization • Auto Focus (Day and Thermal) • Uncooled Thermal Imager • Auto Track, - Lead, - Scan CROWS XM153 Warfighter Payoff Protector M151 • Warfighter protection (operates weapon under armor) • Enhanced target acquisition, identification, and engagement • Enhanced situation awareness - both day and night • Shoot-on-the-move US Army has fielded Remote Weapon Systems Gun Fire Detection Integration Description • Locate, Identify And Cue Up The Remote Weapon Station • RWS integration with C2 system and Gun-fire Detection • Counter Sniper ONS, fielding 679 systems, plus spares CROWS Lightning / PD Cue XM154 Vanguard Counter Sniper System Warfighter Payoff • User can operate the weapon from within the safety of the vehicle • Provides passive gun fire detection while on the move, with hemispherical coverage • Track detected shots while on the move and provide Slew-to-Cue capability • Can be mounted on HMMWVs and MRAPs • ARDEC is actively involved with sensors integration to address emerging warfighter requirements ARDEC Fielding Support To PM Soldier Weapons • Test support – In-house laboratory and firing tests – APG safety and performance tests • System safety support – Identify and remedy potential failure modes – Hazard tracking – Quality Engineering Center – Human factors • Weapon integration – Physical integration to mount – Monitor configurations for potential interferences – Ammo stowage and feed mechanisms • Technical support – Mechanical and electrical subsystems – Platform integration – Software development and test – Configuration management • Logistics support – Technical Manuals – Spare Parts – Reliability tracking – Diagnostic/repair equipment Platform Integration • Integrated systems on various manned and unmanned platforms • Each ppplatform presents uni que issues – Power takeoffs – Interior space claims for ECUs, displays, etc. – Roof and internal structures – No fire zones / motion inhibits – Hatches – Vehicle dynamics – EMI ARDEC Developed HMMWV Vehicle Integration Kit PRO Engineer Models Hardware Vehicle Integration CROWS on M1A2 Tank CROWS on M1114 HMMWV CROWS on M1151 HMMWV CROWS on FOX Vehicle Integration M151 on Stryker Platform CROWS on RG31 •Platform requirements are consistently changing per mission and theater requirements. Additional platforms targeted and fielded with CROWS: • PM Light Tactical Vehicles – M1114, M1151 • PM Assured Mobility Systems - RG31, Buffalo, JERRV, MMPV • JPO Mine Resistant and Ambush Protected - Caiman, MaxxPro (+), RG33L, Cougar, MATV • JPM NBC Contamination Avoidance - Fox M93A1 Other Services: SOCOM, USAF, UMSC/DOE/JLTV Advancement of RWS Picatinny Lightweight RWS • Weight: 160 lb •Slew rates: – Az imut h: > 200 deg /s – Elevation: > 160 deg/s • El Range: -20 to 45 deg • Az Range: Continuous 360 deg • Weapons: M240, M249 and FN 303 • Sensor suite: Day camera • Can be integrated: – FLIR – Laser range finder – Stabilization Advance Remote/Robotic Armament System • Remote weapon re-load and ammo type change • Improved weapon reliability & safety • Theft resistant weapon and ammunition • Enables low energy propulsion munitions (non lethal) • Design allows weapon super elevation to 90° • Max im ize in terna l ammo s towage (1500 - 762d7.62rds ) Ripsaw MS1 PLWRWS integrated on RIPSAW MS1 System Description: • Modular Common Platform that can support multiple mission profiles • TlTele-OtdiRtOperated via a Remote Command Center • Large Class (payload of 2000 lbs) • Fast - speeds up to of 60mph • AilAgile - ZTRdiZero Turn Radius • All Terrain and Rugged ARDEC Partnership • Platform was developed by the Howe and Howe Technologies, Inc • Teamed with TARDEC • ARDEC has integrated • Picatinny Light Weight Remote Weapon Station (PLWRWS) • Modular Crown Control Munitions (MCCM) • Remote Reality 360° camera Command Center • Counter IED Sensors •RF Link management, Weapon control, System latency, Emergency stop, Communication interference among other systems, Weapon safety in degraded modes,Operator interface CHALLENGES • Technical • Integrating state-of-the-art technologies to satisfy warfighter requitirements • Improve secure communication bandwidth and range • Safety • Eliminate single point failures • User in the loop • Quality and Testing • Facilities and evaluation criteria required to test latest Armed Remote/Robotics technologies In Summary… Pulling the pieces together • ARDEC is actively engaged in the integration of Remote Armament Systems on both manned and unmanned vehicles • ARDEC has unique capabilities to provide remote armaments solutions for robotic platforms • Emerging technologies • Development programs • Network lethality • System Safety Certification • ARDEC is partnering with OGAs and Industry • CRADAs – Foreign & Domestic .